“When I met Elise and Emily, I was broken. After suffering over a decade of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse, I had little trust left — not in the police, the courts, or any services meant to keep me safe.

In September 2018, I screamed for help for the first time, certain I wouldn’t survive. When the police arrived, I ran. I couldn’t imagine speaking to them, let alone pressing charges against my attacker.

After I was discharged from hospital, Elise and Emily reached out and met me at the domestic violence service. That day changed my life. They helped me access a safe house, connect with the services I needed, and — most importantly — they encouraged me to take the steps that ultimately saved my life and the lives of my children.

That was only the beginning. It took three years to reach the criminal proceedings. Through every step of that long and painful process, their support never wavered. They stood beside me when he was finally sentenced.

Elise and Emily didn’t just tell me I could trust them — they showed me, every single day, through their actions. I had every reason to doubt people, but their care and commitment, not just to me but also to my children, was never in question.

Because of them, we are safe. Because of them, we are healing”.

Teresa Esatlake
Victim/Survivor

“Elise in your role within the Townsville Domestic and Family Violence and Vulnerable Persons Unit, you have been responsible for the comprehensive delivery of the Domestic and Family Violence training across the district, covering both metropolitan and rural areas. To ensure the district developed skilled personnel to investigate DFV cases, you have also delivered training at the Townsville Police Academy for recruits and First Year constables, enhancing their learning experience. You have also travelled statewide to discuss DFV with other districts and are recognised across the state for your expertise.

I thank you for your significant contribution to the Queensland Police Service and the Townsville District response to Domestic and Family Violence, in support of both the community and police. You have been an excellent leader and role model with commitment to duty that has been outstanding, and I wish you well in your future endeavours”.

Virginia A Nelson
Assistant Commissioner, QPS Northern Region

Townsville Catholic Education have greatly appreciated the support that Elise and Emily have provided to our staff over many years. We are pleased to have forged a collaborative relationship built on trust, mutual respect and a common goal.

I had the privilege of inviting Emily to deliver domestic violence awareness training to a group of over 100 school staff across 30 schools. It was important that our staff understood the prevalence and impact of domestic violence and are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to see the signs and provide support to families. Emily created a safe, respectful learning environment that allowed our staff to engage openly with what can be a very sensitive topic.

Elise and Emily have a wealth of knowledge and frontline experience in the area of domestic and family violence and have been a welcomed support to the Townsville Catholic Education – Student Protection team. They have made themselves available many times, to provide advice and support when needed and in some situations, coordinated and shared intervention.

Townsville Catholic Education are pleased to continue our professional relationship with Elise and Emily through Better Futures. We look forward to engaging their services in the future so that our staff continue to understand Domestic and Family Violence

KATHERINE OLSEN
Student Protection Manager – Catholic Education Northern Region